Former Newark Bishop Used Power to Sexually Harrass Seminarians, Seton Hall Report Says

By FRED SMITH

August 28, 2019 at 4:54 PM

Content Options

Credits: TAPinto.net File Photo

Ad

By FRED SMITH

August 28, 2019 at 4:54 PM

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ – Former Diocese of Newark Bishop, Theodore Cardinal McCarrick sexually harassed Seton Hall University seminarians during his time with the Diocese, according an independent report released by the University’s Board of Regents on Tuesday afternoon.

Patrick M. Murray, Chairman of Seton Hall’s Board of Regents, announced the findings in an email to the Seton Hall community following a joint independent investigation by Gibbon P.C. and Latham & Watkins Law Firm.

While details of investigation’s findings are limited due to what the school is calling “Title IX restrictions,” the University said the review found that McCarrick used his influence and power for his personal well-being between 1986 and 2000.

Seton Hall officials declined to comment outside of the letter sent to the University community on Tuesday night.

“The Latham & Watkins review found that McCarrick created a culture of fear and intimidation that supported his personal objectives,” Murray said. “McCarrick used his position of power as then-Archbishop of Newark to sexually harass seminarians. No minors or other University students were determined to have been affected by McCarrick.”

The University confirmed that their Title IX policies are “consistent with state and federal law.” However, according to the email, the policies weren’t always followed at Immaculate Conception Seminary, which is housed on Seton Hall’s South Orange Campus, and St. Andrew’s Seminary.

These actions “resulted in incidents of sexual harassment going unreported.” The email said the University and both seminaries are now “fully compliant” with Title IX regulations.

Following the “unrestricted review,” the Regents said the University will “take additional actions to strengthen the compliance systems and governance beyond the policies and laws of Title IX” to help support the entire University, including seminarians, students, faculty, priests, administrators and staff.

According to the release, the University’s Board of Regents took the following steps to ensure continued growth in Title IX compliance:

“Independence: Commission an independent and thorough Title IX review of the McCarrick allegations.

Transparency: Share, to the extent permissible under Title IX laws and University policy, the review findings with the Seton Hall community.

Compliance: Exceed compliance requirements by: (a) funding and hiring a Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer to ensure University-wide adherence to Title IX laws, policies and practices; (b) requiring mandatory annual Title IX training for all members of the University community; and (c) conducting prompt reviews of any allegation of sexual harassment with assurances of non-retaliation.

Seminaries: Underscore the importance of Immaculate Conception Seminary and St. Andrew's Seminary to Seton Hall's Catholic identity and better integrate the seminaries within the University.”

“The University community prays for all victims of harassment and abuse of any kind,” Murray said. “Seton Hall University remains committed to advancing its mission and providing seminarians, students, faculty, priests, staff and administrators with a safe and welcoming environment to learn, live and grow. The University encourages anyone with knowledge of sexual misconduct to contact our Title IX office. In addition, a wide array of support services is available to members of the Seton Hall community.”

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ – Mini Puthenpura harvested a snake gourd from her garden earlier this month and thought it seemed exceptionally large – more than seven feet long.

For those who have never heard of such a fruit, it is a tropical or subtropical vine grown in India and other areas of Asia and Southeast Asia. It thrives in hot, humid weather – something Berkeley Heights enjoyed this ...

New Jersey Date Night is a series on NJ Flavor by relationship writer Craig Rogers.

When you date someone not from New Jersey they might ask why we’re known as the Garden State. Typically the answer can be found with one visit to a local farmer’s market, but if doubt persists all you have to do is take them to a New Jersey orchard.

A beautiful fall afternoon becomes magical when you visit ...

New Jersey Date Night is a series on NJ Flavor by relationship writer Craig Rogers.

ASBURY PARK, NJ -- Besides sand, surf and Springsteen, Asbury Park has been known in recent years as a hub for the New Jersey LGBTQ community. HomeGrown Host Stephanie Willoughby spoke with Comedian & Activist Jess Alaimo about the LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere of Asbury Park. Alaimo grew up in Asbury Park, where she still lives, and has family roots here. She founded the Asbury Park Young ...

ASBURY PARK, NJ -- Besides sand, surf and Springsteen, Asbury Park has been known in recent years ...

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ - The 8th Annual Berkeley Heights Fire Department Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the fire house was a huge success. This late summer evening brings together a multi-generational crowd for an evening of conversation among first responders, neighbors, friends, politicians, and community leaders.

The tables are known not to turn over quickly because the supporters ...

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — Before Jeff Torborg caught Sandy Kaufax’s perfect game while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he earned the honor of All-State as a catcher at Westfield High School and an All-American catcher at Rutgers University.

Torborg, who during his 10-year-long career in baseball played for the California Angels and was part of Don Drysdale’s record-setting streak of 58-2/3 ...

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — Before Jeff Torborg caught Sandy Kaufax’s perfect game while playing for the Los ...

NEW YORK, NY -- TAPintoTV caught up with Attorney Jonathan Goodgold, Esq., of the law firm Maitlin Maitlin Goodgold Brass & Bennett at TechDay New York, the largest event for startups in the U.S. TechDay produces events to connect the startup community and highlight the most unique and innovative products currently in development.

“All great businesses start with a great idea,” said ...

NEW YORK, NY -- TAPintoTV caught up with Attorney Jonathan Goodgold, Esq., of the law firm Maitlin ...

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Nat Adderley Jr., best known for his work with Luther Vandross, will headline the closing night of the three-day Central Jersey Jazz Festival Sunday, Sept. 15 from 4:45-6 p.m. on the East Main Street stage adjacent to the green surrounding the historic Somerset County Courthouse.

Opening the 5-hour concert will be tenor saxaphonist Javon Jackson (1:30-2:40 p.m.), followed by ...

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Nat Adderley Jr., best known for his work with Luther Vandross, will headline the ...

LIVINGSTON, NJ - Governor Livingston’s Boys Soccer team suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Livingston Lancers in Livingston. Ethan Proper scored the only goal for the Highlanders late in the first half, but Livingston’s late game heroics were too much for the Highlanders to pull off the upset.

Livingston, an Essex County powerhouse team, was heavily favored in the matchup, but the visiting ...

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - Governor Livingston Girls Volleyball defeated rival New Providence in straight sets on Monday, September 9th. Despite falling to the Pioneers in a preseason scrimmage, GL dominated for most of the match, out scoring its neighboring school, 50-35.

The Pioneers got out to a six point lead as the first set progressed, but a serving run by junior Ashley Parker brought the ...

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ - After five consecutive weeks of threatening storms forcing the summer concerts to be postponed -- the season wrapped up with a spectacular evening last Wednesday in honor of our local first responders.

Before the the Idol Kings took the stage, our local first responders and community leaders lined the parking lot to greet the families. The kids enjoyed touring the rigs ...